Ayush Malik, whose conversion to Islam led to an investigation under Uttar Pradesh’s anti-conversion law, has returned to Hinduism, saying he made the decision voluntarily after witnessing the emotional pain his parents endured.
Ayush Malik says he voluntarily returned to Hinduism after witnessing the emotional distress his conversion had caused his parents. | (Photo: X/@VarahaWarrior)
A Shamli resident whose conversion to Islam triggered an investigation under Uttar Pradesh’s anti-conversion law has now returned to Hinduism, saying he made the decision after witnessing the emotional distress experienced by his parents.
The development comes weeks after police arrested two people in connection with the case following a complaint by Ayush Malik’s father. Malik and his family have maintained that his decision to return to Sanatan Dharma was voluntary and made without any coercion.
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A video circulating on social media shows Ayush taking part in Hindu religious rituals and offering prayers. In the video, he says he has chosen to re-embrace Hinduism of his own free will and wishes to stay with his family.
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“I had accepted Islam and changed my religion. But after seeing my parents’ pain and keeping my family in mind, I have voluntarily returned to Hinduism. I want to live under the care and protection of my family. Please forgive me,” Ayush says in the video.
He is also seen performing puja rituals in accordance with Hindu traditions.
His father, Devaraj Malik, confirmed that his son had formally returned to Sanatan Dharma. The family reiterated that the decision was taken voluntarily.
The latest development follows the arrest of physiotherapist Chandni Qureshi and her father, Islam Qureshi, by Uttar Pradesh Police after Devaraj Malik filed a complaint under the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act.
According to the complaint, Ayush, a Bachelor of Pharmacy graduate who assisted in running the family’s medical store, met Chandni in 2018 while undergoing treatment for a leg injury at a hospital in Shamli.
Police alleged that the two later entered into a relationship and that Chandni and members of her family influenced him to convert to Islam.
The FIR states that Ayush travelled to Delhi in 2023, where he allegedly converted to Islam, adopted the name Mohammad Ali and underwent a nikah ceremony.
Police, however, have said they have not recovered any marriage certificate during the investigation.
Investigators have further alleged that after the conversion, Ayush began following Islamic religious practices, including offering five daily prayers, growing a beard and changing his style of dress.
Devaraj Malik has also alleged that the conversion was part of a conspiracy to gain control of the family’s property, which he claims is worth several crore rupees.
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